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The Empire's Ruin

Ashes of the Unhewn Throne, Book 1

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The Empire's Ruin

By: Brian Staveley
Narrated by: Moira Quirk, Joe Jameson, Oliver Cudbill
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About this listen

Brian Staveley, author of The Emperor's Blades, gives listeners the first book in a new epic fantasy trilogy based in the world of his popular series the Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, The Empire's Ruin.

Best of Summer 2021 - Polygon

The Annurian Empire is disintegrating. The advantages it used for millennia have fallen to ruin. The ranks of the Kettral have been decimated from within, and the kenta gates, granting instantaneous travel across the vast lands of the empire, can no longer be used.

In order to save the empire, one of the surviving Kettral must voyage beyond the edge of the known world through a land that warps and poisons all living things to find the nesting ground of the giant war hawks. Meanwhile, a monk turned con-artist may hold the secret to the kenta gates.

But time is running out. Deep within the southern reaches of the empire and ancient god-like race has begun to stir.

What they discover will change them and the Annurian Empire forever. If they can survive.

©2021 by Brian Staveley. (P)2021 Brilliance Publishing, Inc., all rights reserved. Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Military

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Critic reviews

“Brian Staveley’s books are epic in every sense of the word. His characters are complex, his history deep, his plots rife with action and intrigue. He’s a giant in the genre, no doubt.” (Nicolas Eames, author of Kings of the Wyld)

“If you loved Brian Staveley's Chronicle of the Unhewn Throne, then hang onto your war hawk, 'cause his new book, The Empire’s Ruin, returns to the world of the crumbling Annurian Empire in a spectacular way. Fans of Staveley's work, and those who enjoy epic fantasy outside the conventional mold, are going to unearth treasure.” (R.S. Belcher)
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If you loved the first three books, this is for you. Action packed story; yes, much has been reviewed about the introspection of one character, but I didn't feel it was as laboured as some said. I got past it. Narration by one actor is a bit too camp for me, but it's only part of the narrating, so perfectly tolerable. Loved this book; so thrilled the author added more to the original trilogy. I recommend it!

Pacey, action packed and a great sequel

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Good story. I have listened to many audio books and have used the stars to rate but never written a comment but the narration on this book is absolutely terrible. One worse than the other.

Review

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It's a bit overwritten, but still absolutely loved it. Great characters and world building. interesting plot. If you enjoyed his others books you ought to enjoy this too.

very enjoyable

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bad language from the start improves the great story line. Throughly enjoyed it now looking for the next in the series.

Caution

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The longest book I have ever listened to. It ended too soon! Loved every minute of it, didn’t get bored even once.
Looking forward to the next one.

35 hours were not enough

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Another fantastic book! Desperate for the next one!
I believe this is the first of a new trilogy.

Amazing

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loved it from start to finish. Riveting and beautifully written, it capitalises on the rich lore and wonderful characters in the previous books and connects threads that I truly thought were entirely separate.i don't generally leave reviews but I felt motivated to do so. read the series, then this one. You will not be disappointed.

best in the series; phenomenally good

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Loved all of Brian’s books so far and this is no exception!
Tons of action and hard fought storylines.
Really disappointed when it came to an end!Great narrators with some excellent pacing, atmosphere and character voices.
Took me a little while to get used to the switching of narrators though and unfortunately I didn’t find Oliver’s style as much to my liking as the others and found myself a little disappointed when it came around (hence only the 4 stars for performance!) but it wouldn’t stop me from listening again!

“You die or you don’t”

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I'm a big fan of Brian Staveley. I read his first trilogy and loved it. This book took me a little longer to get into but then I think that's to be expected - he's introducing two new POV characters and needs to build up a bit of history for them.
I think the pay off is very worth it. I loved both Gwenna and Ruc's stories very much. I was less sold on Akiil's story but I think that had to do with the narrator for this POV who I didn't feel was as good as the other two.
The story is interesting. I often wonder how the author will write his way out of corners he creates with hugely overpowered characters but, to his credit, he manages to every time and in a believable way no less!
I'll definitely be buying the next instalment.

Started slow but so worth it...

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I am so pleased to have another book in this world and so pleased that Gwena is back! Can’t wait for the next book!

Back in this world again!

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